The Transfer of the Relics of the Great-Martyr Ignatius the God-bearer (of Antioch)
1 Thessalonians 5:14-23; Luke 17:3-10
Read Luke 17:3-10
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
Have you ever seen a mustard seed? It is truly tiny, like a grain of sand. This is the image of faith that Our Lord uses to reassure His disciples when they ask Him for more faith. All that is needed is the tiniest measure and incredible miracles will follow. This faith, however, is a gift, and the disciples show the true way of achieving this faith- namely, asking the Lord for it.
St Cyril of Alexandria writes: “Faith partly depends on us and partly is the gift of the divine grace. The beginning of faith depends on us and our maintaining confidence and faith in God with all our power. The confirmation and strength necessary for this comes from the divine grace. For that reason, since all things are possible with God, the Lord says that all things are possible for him who believes.” (Commentary on Luke, 113-16.)